During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Easter Convention of the Church of Pentecost International, Spain, Apostle Emmanuel Quaye, the National Head, shared a powerful sermon titled "Triumphing by the Cross to Transform our World." Using Ephesians 1:18-23, he spoke about the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
Apostle Quaye commenced by emphasizing that Easter transcends a mere historical event; it symbolizes the paramount act in human history – the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. Quoting John 15:13, he reiterated that the epitome of love is to lay down one's life for others, a love exemplified by Christ on the cross.
He cited Shakespeare's timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet, illustrating the depth of sacrificial love. However, he juxtaposed this earthly love with the divine love of Christ, emphasizing its unparalleled nature. Unlike mortal sacrifices driven by circumstance, God's sacrifice of His Son was a deliberate, voluntary act born out of love for humanity.
The sermon unfolded the four dimensions of sacrificial love. Firstly, sacrificial love through choice, as depicted in John 3:16, where God willingly offered His beloved Son for the salvation of mankind. Secondly, sacrificial love through incarnation, as Jesus humbled Himself, leaving the glory of Heaven to dwell among mortals. Thirdly, sacrificial love through earthly ministry, illustrated by Jesus' compassion and miracles, showing His selflessness in serving humanity. Lastly, sacrificial love through crucifixion, where Christ endured the agony of the cross to redeem mankind (Romans 5:8).
Apostle Quaye illustrated various biblical figures who offered sacrifices to God including Abel, Abraham, and the King of Moab, but he emphasized the uniqueness of Christ's sacrifice – voluntary and driven by love for humanity, unlike others motivated by obligation or seeking divine favor.
Citing Isaiah 53:5-6, he depicted humanity's dire state of sinfulness and Jesus' voluntary agreement to bear the burden of our iniquities. This sacrificial love, he affirmed, is unconditional, personal, and transformative, as evidenced by Scriptures such as 1 John 4:9-10, Galatians 2:20, and Ephesians 2:4-5.
He elucidated that Christ's sacrificial love not only offers acceptance to sinners but also serves as a model for believers. Through gratitude, faith, emulation, repentance, and witness, Christians can respond to Christ's love and spread His message of redemption and reconciliation.
In conclusion, Apostle Quaye reiterated that through Christ's sacrificial love, forgiveness, redemption, and reconciliation are extended to all who believe. He urged believers to emulate Christ's compassion, service, and forgiveness, thereby triumphing over darkness and transforming the world through sacrificial love. Truly, through the cross, we triumph, and through sacrificial love, we transform our world.